JP7358800B2 - Electronic equipment and its control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic equipment. The present invention further relates to a control program to be executed by a control circuit of the electronic device.

Patent Document 1 describes a technique for simplifying replacement work in replacing electronic devices such as printers and MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "replacement"). Generally, the shorter the downtime of an electronic device (the period during which the user cannot use the electronic device), the better, and Patent Document 1 shortens the downtime associated with replacement by simplifying the work. In addition to downtime associated with replacement, there is also downtime caused by hardware failure. It is also desirable to reduce downtime due to hardware failure.

JP2009-271680A

However, in electronic devices that have the ability to install additional function expansion applications, when a failure occurs in a certain piece of hardware, the electronic device is The software was controlling it to stop all functions.

An object of the present invention is to reduce downtime in the event of a hardware failure in an electronic device having a function of additionally installing a function expansion application.

(1) One form of the present invention that achieves the above object is:
multiple hardware components and
a storage unit that stores, for each of one or more function expansion applications, the hardware components that are essential for the operation of the function expansion application;
detecting that there is a failure in any of the hardware components;
determining the presence or absence of the function expansion application that requires the hardware component in which the failure has been detected to operate;
A control unit that controls to switch the operation mode to a first degenerate mode in which the detected hardware component is not used and the remaining hardware components are used when there is no said function expansion application that is essential. Equipped with electronic equipment.

In this embodiment, in an electronic device that has a function to additionally install function expansion applications, hardware components that are essential for the operation of each function expansion application are stored, and when a failure occurs in a hardware component, the hardware components are stored. Determine whether there is an extended function application that is essential for operation, and if there is no extended function application that is required for operation, do not use the hardware component ("fault isolation"). This increases availability and reduces downtime in the event of hardware failure.

(2) In this embodiment, the storage unit:
storing, for each of the function expansion applications, failure tolerance information indicating whether or not to allow the hardware component to not be used when a failure occurs in the hardware component that is essential for operation;
The control unit includes:
If there is an extended function application that requires the hardware component in which a failure has been detected to operate, it is determined whether or not there is an extended function application that does not permit non-use based on the failure tolerance information of the extended function application. death,
If there is no unacceptable functional expansion application, control is performed to stop the operation of the functional expansion application and then switch the operation mode to the first degenerate mode.

In this embodiment, failure tolerance information is stored for each function expansion application, indicating that it is essential for operation, but that the application may stop operating in the event of a failure. If there is a function expansion application that is essential for operation, it is determined whether or not to allow the failed hardware component to not be used, and if it is allowed, the failure is isolated. This further increases availability and reduces downtime in the event of hardware failure.

(3) In this embodiment, the control unit:
If there is a function expansion application that requires the hardware component that has detected a failure to operate, and if there is a function expansion application that does not allow the hardware component that has detected a failure to operate, the hardware component that has detected a failure and other The operating mode is controlled to be switched to a second degenerate mode in which the hardware component is not used.

In this embodiment, when there is a functional extension application that is essential for the operation of a failed hardware component and does not allow it to be unused, the system enters an operation mode in which multiple hardware components including that hardware component are not used. . This can prevent possible problems.

(4) Other embodiments of the present invention include:
For control circuits of electronic devices that include multiple hardware components,
Control for storing the hardware components essential for the operation of the function expansion application for each of one or more function expansion applications;
a control that detects a failure in any of the hardware components;
control for determining the presence or absence of the function expansion application that requires the hardware component in which the failure has been detected to operate;
In order to execute control to switch the operating mode to a first degenerate mode in which the detected hardware component is not used and the remaining hardware components are used when there is no essential function expansion application. This is a control program for electronic equipment.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce downtime due to hardware failure in an electronic device having a function of additionally installing a function expansion application.

Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in the present invention.

1 shows a hardware configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the functional configuration of an electronic device. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the storage contents of a storage device. The operation flow of electronic equipment is shown.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Electronics

FIG. 1 shows the hardware configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic device 10 includes a control circuit 11 . The control circuit 11 is composed of a CPU 11a (Central Processing Unit) which is a processor, a RAM 11b (Random Access Memory), a ROM 11c (Read Only Memory) which is a memory, a dedicated hardware circuit, etc., and controls the overall operation of the electronic device 10. governs control. The CPU 11a loads the information processing program stored in the ROM 11c into the RAM 11b and executes it. The ROM 11c permanently stores programs and data executed by the CPU 11a. The ROM 11c is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

The control circuit 11 includes an image reading section 12 (image scanner), an image processing section 14 (including a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)), an image memory 15, an image forming section 16 (printer), and an operation section 17 (including a display section 17a). touch panel), a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device 18 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a facsimile communication unit 19, a network communication interface 13, and the like. The control circuit 11 controls the operations of the above-mentioned parts connected to it, and transmits and receives signals or data to and from each part. The operation unit 17 (touch panel) is one form of an input device, and an audio input device including a microphone may be provided as the input device.

2. Functional configuration of electronic equipment

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the electronic device.

For example, the electronic device 10 is configured as an MFP having multiple functions of a printer and a scanner. To provide these functions, electronic device 10 is configured with multiple hardware components 110.

For example, the image forming unit 16 is configured to include a plurality of hardware components, and in this embodiment includes a "finisher" and an "image forming core." In addition, a "paper feeding device" may be included. The image reading unit 12 includes a "scanner". The storage device 18 includes an "HDD (hard disk drive)."

Further, the electronic device 10 includes an operating system 11d, a function expansion environment 11e, a function providing application 11f, and one or more function expansion applications 11x as the information processing programs.

The operating system 11d is software for performing basic input/output of the electronic device 10. The function providing application 11f is an application for providing basic functions of the electronic device 10. These are software programs that are standard installed in the electronic device 10.

The function expansion environment 11e has a function of additionally installing a function expansion application 11x that implements functions that the main body does not have. This allows the user of the electronic device 10 to freely add desired functions to the electronic device 10.

The function expansion application 11x can be freely designed by the developer. One of the typical function expansion applications 11x is a "skin change application" that can customize the display screen of the display unit 17a.

In addition, there is a ``user authentication app.'' This allows the app to perform authentication by linking with an authentication server within the local area network, and records who has done what, which is then used for billing purposes.

3. Memory contents of storage device

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the storage contents of the storage device.

The storage device 18 stores, for each function expansion application 11x, the hardware components 11 essential for its operation as "failure hardware information 181." Note that the storage location of the failure hardware information 181 is not limited to the storage device 18, and may be the RAM 11b or ROM 11c.

For example, in the case of a "skin change application", the "finisher" and "HDD" are set not to be essential for operation, and the "liquid crystal screen" is set to be essential for operation. Further, for example, in the case of the "user authentication application", the "liquid crystal screen" is set not to be essential for operation, and the "finisher" and "HDD" are set to be essential for operation.

Furthermore, in the failure hardware information 181, the storage device 18 sets the setting of whether or not to allow the operation of the function expansion application 11x to stop when the hardware component 110 essential for operation fails. Permission information 182" is stored.

For example, the ``skin change application'' requires an ``liquid crystal screen'' for operation, but is set to ``permit'' not to use it in the event of a malfunction. For example, the "User Authentication App" requires the "Finisher" and "HDD" to operate, but is set to "Allow" not to use them in the event of a failure, while the "HDD" is "Not Allowed". ” is set.

Since the "skin change application" changes the skin of the user interface displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the display device 17a, the liquid crystal screen is essential for operation. Although the "skin change application" also stops functioning by not using the liquid crystal screen, this does not have a negative effect on the overall operation of the electronic device 10.

Although the "User Authentication App" cannot fully demonstrate its functionality if the "Finisher" does not operate properly when setting paper output trays for each user, users who think that it is not necessary to sort by user. There are some too. On the other hand, if the hard disk drive fails, it would be inappropriate to be able to use functions that do not use the HDD, such as copying, without being able to keep a record of the user's authentication information or how much money has been charged to whom. In the event of an HDD failure, it is better not to stop the user authentication application from functioning and also to allow other hardware components 110 to continue to be used. Therefore, it is set that "failure isolation" is not allowed.

4. Operation flow of electronic equipment

FIG. 4 shows the operation flow of the electronic device.

(ST101)
The control circuit 11 detects an abnormality such as a failure or malfunction in any of the hardware components 110 based on notification signals from various modules.

(ST102)
In this case, the control circuit 11 determines whether or not there is a function expansion application 11x that requires the failed hardware component 110 to operate, based on the hardware information at the time of failure 181. If there is no such function expansion application 11x, the process advances to ST104.

(ST103)
If there is a function expansion application 11x that is essential for operation, the control circuit 11 determines whether or not the function expansion application 11x is allowed to not use (not operate) the failed hardware component 110. The judgment is made based on the time allowance information 182. If there are multiple function expansion applications 11x, it is determined whether all of them are permitted.

(ST104)
When there is no function expansion application 11x that is essential for operation, or when such function expansion application 11x exists but allows them not to use the failed hardware component 110, the control circuit 11 replaces the failed hardware component 110. The operation mode is shifted to an operation mode in which the operation without using the hardware component 110 is continued. Such an operation mode is called a "first degenerate mode."

Specifically, the control circuit 11 requests a system status holding unit (not shown) that holds the status (normal/faulty) of each hardware component 110 to change its value. Each function then receives notification of a change in its value and changes its behavior. This achieves "fault isolation" of the hardware component 110.

(ST105)
If there is even one function expansion application 11x that does not allow the function to stop out of the function expansion applications 11x that are essential for operation, the control circuit 11 will not only repair the failed hardware component 110 but also multiple hardware components including this failure. 110 is controlled to enter an operation mode in which the operation of 110 is stopped. This operating mode is called the "second degenerate mode." In this operating mode, for example, an error screen such as "There is a malfunction. Please call a service person" is displayed, while many functions such as printing and sending faxes are restricted. be done.

If a failure occurs in any of the hardware components 110, the software is controlled to stop all functions of the electronic device 10 for fear of affecting any of the function expansion applications 11x that utilize it. In many cases, doing so would be an excessive response. There are not many cases where a complete shutdown of the system is desired when the finisher breaks down. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developer of the function expansion application 11x specifies in advance the hardware information required for operation and whether or not to allow "fault isolation" of the hardware. did.

The settings related to failure isolation are distributed as described in the profile attached to the function expansion application 11x, and are configured to be stored in the storage device 18 when the function expansion application 11x is installed in the electronic device 10. Ru.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform failure isolation in the event of a failure in more cases than before, and to use it in a degraded operation (operating in the first degraded mode). This can minimize the risk of business interruption for users.

Note that even for the same application, users have different usage methods and priorities for functions, so the hardware information at the time of failure 181 and the tolerance information at the time of failure 182 are set by the user (the administrator of the electronic device 10) at the time of installation. It may be configured to be changeable. Even if the user authentication app becomes unusable, if you can replace it by leaving a piece of paper and a pen next to the electronic device 10 and charging it by self-reporting, then even if the hard disk drive fails, the electronic device 10 may continue to operate in the first degenerate mode.

6. Conclusion

(1) In this embodiment, in an electronic device that has a function to additionally install function expansion applications, hardware components essential for the operation of each function expansion application are stored, and when a failure occurs in a hardware component, determines whether there is an extended function application that requires it for operation, and does not use the hardware component if there is no extended function application that requires it for operation (``fault isolation''). This increases availability and reduces downtime in the event of hardware failure.

(2) In this embodiment, failure tolerance information is stored for each function expansion application, indicating that it is essential for operation but may stop the application in the event of a failure, and the failure tolerance information is stored for each function expansion application. If there is a function expansion application that is essential for operation, it is determined whether or not to allow the failed hardware component to not be used, and if it is permitted, the failure is isolated. This further increases availability and reduces downtime in the event of hardware failure.

(3) In this embodiment, if there is a function expansion application that is essential for the operation of a failed hardware component and does not allow it to be used, an operation is performed that does not use multiple hardware components including that hardware component. Enter the mode. This can prevent possible problems.

Although each embodiment and each modification of the present technology has been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes may be made within the scope of the gist of the present technology. Of course.

10... Image forming apparatus 11... Control circuit 18... Storage device 181... Hardware information at the time of failure 182... Tolerance information at the time of failure

Claims (3)

multiple hardware components and
For each one or more function expansion applications, the hardware component essential for the operation of the function expansion application ;
For each of the function expansion applications, failure tolerance information indicating whether or not to allow the hardware component to not be used when a failure occurs in the hardware component that is essential for operation;
a storage unit that stores
detecting that there is a failure in any of the hardware components;
determining the presence or absence of the function expansion application that requires the hardware component in which the failure has been detected to operate;
controlling the operation mode to be switched to a first degenerate mode in which the detected hardware component is not used and the remaining hardware components are used when there is no essential function expansion application ;
If there is a function expansion application that is mandatory, determining whether there is a function expansion application that is not allowed to be unused based on the failure tolerance information of the function expansion application,
If there is no unacceptable function expansion application, controlling the operation mode to be switched to the first degenerate mode after stopping the operation of the function expansion application.
Electronic equipment equipped with a control unit. The electronic device according to claim 1 ,
The control unit includes:
If there is a function expansion application that requires the hardware component that has detected a failure to operate, and if there is a function expansion application that does not allow the hardware component that has detected a failure to operate, the hardware component that has detected a failure and other An electronic device configured to control the operating mode to be switched to a second degenerate mode in which the hardware component is not used. For control circuits of electronic devices that include multiple hardware components,
Control for storing the hardware components essential for the operation of the function expansion application for each of one or more function expansion applications;
control for storing, for each of the function expansion applications, failure tolerance information indicating whether or not to allow the hardware component to not be used when a failure occurs in the hardware component that is essential for operation;
a control that detects a failure in any of the hardware components;
control for determining the presence or absence of the function expansion application that requires the hardware component in which the failure has been detected to operate;
control for switching the operation mode to a first degenerate mode in which the detected hardware component is not used and the remaining hardware components are used when there is no said function expansion application that is essential;
control for determining whether or not there is a function expansion application that is not allowed to be unused based on the failure tolerance information of the function expansion application when there is the function expansion application that is essential;
control for switching the operation mode to the first degenerate mode after stopping the operation of the function expansion application when there is no unacceptable function expansion application;
A control program for electronic equipment to run.

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